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The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar has finalized the blueprint for government formation following its landslide victory in the 2025 Assembly elections, with coalition partners agreeing to a proportional cabinet allocation formula that assigns one ministerial berth for every six MLAs. Under this arrangement, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to receive the lion's share with 15-16 ministerial positions, while Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) will get approximately 14 berths in addition to the Chief Minister's post. Nitish Kumar, the 73-year-old JD(U) supremo, is poised to take the oath as Bihar's Chief Minister for a historic 10th time on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at a grand ceremony at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President J.P. Nadda, and Chief Ministers of all NDA-ruled states are expected to attend the swearing-in event, which is being planned as a massive show of strength by the ruling coalition. The government formation process officially gained momentum on Monday, November 16, 2025, when Nitish Kumar chaired the final cabinet meeting of the outgoing government at 11:30 AM, during which his council of ministers unanimously passed a resolution authorizing him to recommend dissolution of the 17th Bihar Legislative Assembly on November 19. Kumar subsequently met Governor Arif Mohammad Khan at Raj Bhavan to submit his resignation and that of his entire cabinet, paving the way for the new government. According to senior BJP and JD(U) leaders involved in the negotiations, the NDA has adopted a "six MLAs per minister" formula to ensure balanced representation among alliance partners while rewarding electoral performance. Bihar's 243-member Assembly allows a constitutional maximum of 36 ministers, including the Chief Minister—capped at 15% of the House's strength. With the NDA winning an overwhelming 202 seats in the November 2025 elections, the coalition is comfortably positioned to form a stable government with significant room for accommodating all partners. The seat distribution among NDA constituents was: BJP (89 seats), JD(U) (85 seats), LJP (Ram Vilas) or LJP(RV) (19 seats), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) or HAM(S) (5 seats), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha or RLM (4 seats). As the single-largest party in the NDA with 89 MLAs, the BJP is slated to receive 15-16 ministerial positions in the new government. This represents a slight reduction from the outgoing government, where the BJP held 22 ministerial berths out of 36 total positions. "One slot each will likely go to the RLM and HAM(S), three to the LJP(RV), and the remaining 30–31 will be divided between the BJP and the JD(U). However, there may be some adjustments, and changes to the two deputy chief minister posts are also possible," a senior BJP leader told Hindustan Times on condition of anonymity. The BJP is expected to retain control of critical portfolios such as Finance, Health, Revenue and Land Reforms, Urban Development, and Industries. In the outgoing Ninth Nitish Kumar Ministry, BJP's Samrat Choudhary held the Finance and Commercial Taxes portfolios as Deputy Chief Minister, while Vijay Kumar Sinha served as the second Deputy CM with Mines & Geology and Agriculture. According to sources, the BJP is also likely to retain both Deputy Chief Minister positions, continuing the dual-Deputy CM arrangement from the previous government. However, some reports suggest one Deputy CM post might be offered to the LJP(RV), reflecting the party's strong electoral performance. The JD(U), despite having 85 MLAs—just four fewer than the BJP—will receive approximately 14 ministerial berths in addition to Nitish Kumar retaining the Chief Minister's position. This marks a marginal increase from the 13 ministers the party had in the outgoing government. "The allocation of ministerial posts among alliance partners has been broadly decided. The blueprint for the cabinet is being finalised, and it is expected to feature a mix of experienced leaders and new faces," a senior JD(U) leader told Hindustan Times. The JD(U) is expected to retain key portfolios such as Home Affairs (held by the CM), General Administration, Cabinet Secretariat, Water Resources, Parliamentary Affairs, Energy, Planning & Development, Rural Development, Education, Transport, and Building Construction. Union Minister Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has emerged as the third-largest partner in the NDA with an impressive tally of 19 seats out of the 29 it contested—a spectacular turnaround from the party's disastrous 2020 performance when it won just one seat while contesting over 130. According to the cabinet formula, the LJP(RV) is set to receive three ministerial positions. However, the party's strong strike rate of approximately 65-70% has fueled intense speculation about whether Chirag Paswan or a senior LJP(RV) leader will be offered a Deputy Chief Minister position. Speaking to India Today before the results, Chirag had stated: "I have always believed that my strike rate has been close to 100 per cent, and I expect the same this time. I believe there should be respect in an alliance. If your partners are performing well they should be rewarded". However, Chirag also clarified that he personally would not take the Deputy CM post due to his existing responsibilities as Union Minister for Food Processing Industries in the Modi 3.0 cabinet. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already entrusted me with significant responsibilities at the Centre. Food processing has enormous potential, and I want to strengthen this ministry further. Right now, I would not take the deputy CM post. But, yes, some leader from my party would definitely assume it if we win," he had said. Following a meeting with Nitish Kumar in Patna on November 16, Chirag Paswan confirmed that "discussions among alliance partners are already underway, and a detailed blueprint for the cabinet is expected within a day". He endorsed Nitish Kumar for a tenth term as Chief Minister, stating the government formation would be completed before November 22, when the current Assembly's term expires. The two smallest NDA partners—Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) with 5 seats and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha with 4 seats—are expected to receive one ministerial berth each. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who is also the custodian of HAM(S), confirmed on November 16 that the new government will be sworn in on November 20. In the outgoing government, HAM(S) held one ministerial position—Santosh Kumar Suman served as Minister for Minor Water Resources. Manjhi, speaking to the media, emphasized his party's non-demanding approach: "In our 46 years in politics, we have never demanded any position". He added that the swearing-in ceremony will be held at Gandhi Maidan, with preparations underway pending confirmation of Prime Minister Modi's availability. RLM leader Upendra Kushwaha noted that the formation process would begin within two to three days, once victorious MLAs arrive in Patna. While the "six MLAs per minister" formula has been widely reported as the agreed-upon arrangement, some sources indicate that an alternative proposal suggesting equal ministerial berths for BJP and JD(U) was also on the table during initial discussions. According to The Indian Express, "an initial proposal on government formation floated in the NDA ahead of talks on the matter suggests an equal number of ministerial berths for the two biggest members of the ruling alliance". "This is the formula on the table and consultations are going on. There could be major changes in the portfolio distribution and the discussions are focusing on that too," a BJP insider told The Indian Express. The equal-share proposal reflects the fact that both BJP and JD(U) contested an equal number of seats (101 each) in the Bihar Assembly elections. However, the BJP's superior strike rate—winning 89 out of 101 compared to JD(U)'s 85 out of 101—appears to have tilted the final allocation slightly in favor of the saffron party. The current ministerial allocation represents a significant shift from the 2020 government formation, when power dynamics within the NDA were markedly different. In 2020, the BJP had emerged as the largest party with 74 seats, while the JD(U) won only 43 seats—a humiliating outcome for Nitish Kumar that nearly cost him the Chief Minister's chair. In the outgoing (Ninth Nitish Kumar) government formed in January 2024 after Kumar's dramatic switch from the INDIA alliance back to the NDA, the BJP held 22 ministers while the JD(U) had only 12—a 10-minister gap that reflected the BJP's electoral dominance. The 2025 results have dramatically altered this equation. Both parties now have nearly equal strength in the Assembly—BJP with 89 seats and JD(U) with 85—which has led to a more balanced power-sharing arrangement in the new cabinet. According to a BJP leader quoted in The New Indian Express, "During the ticket distribution, for every MP, an NDA partner was given five-six assembly seats. So, it is likely that the same formula may be in place for cabinet berths". This proportional approach ensures that the JD(U), despite having four fewer MLAs than the BJP, receives only 1-2 fewer ministerial positions. One of the most closely watched aspects of the government formation is the allocation of Deputy Chief Minister positions. In the outgoing government, there were two Deputy CMs—both from the BJP: Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha. Both Choudhary and Sinha won their respective seats convincingly in the November 14 elections, making them strong contenders to retain their positions. However, sources suggest there could be "changes to the two deputy chief minister posts". Several formulas are reportedly under consideration: Two BJP Deputy CMs (Status Quo): Both positions remain with the BJP, with Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha continuing One BJP, One LJP(RV) Deputy CM: The BJP retains one Deputy CM position while offering the second to a senior LJP(RV) leader (not Chirag Paswan personally) to reward the party's strong electoral performance One BJP, One JD(U) Deputy CM: A power-sharing arrangement that gives the JD(U) a Deputy CM position alongside the Chief Minister's post Most sources indicate the first option (two BJP Deputy CMs) is currently favored, though final decisions will be made during the NDA Legislature Party meeting expected on November 18 or 19. The government formation process in Bihar is following a carefully choreographed timeline designed to ensure smooth transition before the November 22 deadline when the current Assembly's term expires: 11:30 AM: Nitish Kumar chairs final cabinet meeting; resolution passed to dissolve 17th Assembly on November 19 Afternoon: Nitish Kumar meets Governor Arif Mohammad Khan at Raj Bhavan to submit resignation of himself and entire cabinet Evening: JD(U) leaders meet in Patna to begin internal consultations BJP Legislature Party meeting expected to elect the party's legislative leader Continued consultations among NDA partners on final cabinet composition NDA Legislature Party meeting to formally elect Nitish Kumar as coalition leader NDA delegation meets Governor to stake claim to form government Final confirmation of oath ceremony date based on PM Modi's schedule 17th Bihar Legislative Assembly formally dissolved Final preparations at Gandhi Maidan for swearing-in ceremony Swearing-in ceremony of Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister for 10th time at Gandhi Maidan PM Modi, Union Ministers, and NDA Chief Ministers attend grand event Initial batch of ministers may also take oath Completion of full government formation process Deadline: Current Assembly term expires In addition to ministerial positions, the selection of the Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly is also a key decision in government formation. According to a senior JD(U) leader, "as in the past, the post is expected to go to the BJP". In the outgoing Assembly, Nand Kishor Yadav of the BJP served as Speaker. The BJP's status as the single-largest party and its historically strong claim on the Speaker's post make it likely the party will retain this position in the new Assembly. The Gandhi Maidan in Patna, Bihar's most iconic public venue, is being transformed into a massive stage for what JD(U) leaders have promised will be a "grand show matching the scale of victory". The historic ground has been closed to the general public from November 16-20 to allow for elaborate preparations. According to sources, the oath-taking ceremony is being designed as a show of strength that will bring together the entire NDA ecosystem—from the Prime Minister to Union Ministers, from Chief Ministers of NDA-ruled states to thousands of party workers and supporters. A meeting of Patna district's top administrative and police officers has been held to fine-tune security and logistical arrangements for the mega event. The presence of PM Modi, who rarely attends state-level oath ceremonies, underscores the political significance the BJP attaches to its Bihar victory and continued alliance with Nitish Kumar. The cabinet allocation formula represents a delicate balancing act that reflects both electoral arithmetic and political pragmatism within the NDA: The "six MLAs per minister" formula creates a merit-based system that rewards parties based on their seat tallies rather than arbitrary political bargaining. This ensures that the BJP, as the largest party, gets the most ministerial positions, while smaller allies receive proportionate representation. Despite being the single-largest party, the BJP has agreed to keep Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister, recognizing his seniority, administrative experience, and political stature in Bihar. This decision reflects the BJP's strategic calculation that maintaining alliance unity is more valuable than pushing for the CM's post. By allowing Chirag Paswan to retain his Union ministerial position while offering Deputy CM or ministerial berths to other LJP(RV) leaders, the formula enables the party to maximize influence at both national and state levels. With a comfortable majority of 202 seats in a 243-member House, the NDA can afford to be generous in accommodating all partners without fear of instability or defections. The proportional formula reduces potential sources of friction and resentment among allies. As the NDA moves swiftly toward government formation, the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) remains mired in internal turmoil and family conflict. The party suffered a catastrophic defeat, plummeting from 75 seats in 2020 to just 25 seats in 2025—its second-worst performance ever. The electoral humiliation triggered an ugly confrontation within the Lalu Prasad Yadav family, with daughter Rohini Acharya publicly accusing brother Tejashwi Yadav of verbal abuse and blaming two of his close aides—Sanjay Yadav and Rameez Nemat Khan—for the party's downfall. Rohini has announced her decision to quit politics and sever family ties with Tejashwi. The Congress, RJD's primary ally in the Mahagathbandhan, performed even worse, winning only 6 seats out of the constituencies it contested. The opposition coalition's total tally of just 35 seats (RJD 25, Congress 6, and a few independents) leaves it completely marginalized in the new Assembly. Nitish Kumar's impending swearing-in as Chief Minister will mark his tenth term in the top job—a record unmatched by any other leader in Bihar's history. Kumar first became Chief Minister in March 2000 for a brief period, then again from November 2005 to May 2014, and has held the position almost continuously since then with brief interruptions. His political journey has been marked by multiple alliance switches. Most recently, in January 2024, Kumar walked out of the opposition INDIA alliance and rejoined the NDA, citing differences with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. His decision to return to the BJP-led coalition proved prescient, as the NDA went on to secure its second-highest seat tally ever in Bihar (after the 206 seats won in 2010). At 73 years old, Kumar is credited with putting Bihar on the path of development after succeeding Lalu Prasad Yadav in 2005. His tenure saw significant improvements in infrastructure, law and order, and women's education, earning him the nickname "Sushashan Babu" (Good Governance Man). While the initial swearing-in on November 20 will see Nitish Kumar take oath as Chief Minister, sources indicate that the full cabinet may be inducted in phases. The outgoing government had 37 ministers including the CM, and the new government is expected to have a similar strength, utilizing close to the constitutional maximum of 36. The portfolio allocation—determining which party gets which departments—is likely to be finalized in the days following the swearing-in ceremony. Traditionally, the BJP has prioritized portfolios such as Finance, Health, Revenue, and Industries, while the JD(U) has retained Home Affairs (with the CM), Education, Rural Development, and Water Resources. The Speaker's election will be another key event in the early days of the new Assembly, expected to take place during the first session. Following that, the government will present its policy agenda and begin the work of governance. Clipstrust serves as a comprehensive digital marketing and real-time news intelligence platform, empowering political analysts, journalists, and citizens to track critical developments like the NDA's Bihar cabinet formation, ministerial allocation formulas, and government formation timelines. With advanced SEO optimization tools and breaking news aggregation capabilities, Clipstrust enables media organizations to deliver timely, accurate updates on coalition negotiations, oath ceremony schedules, and power-sharing arrangements—ensuring readers stay informed about major political transitions like Nitish Kumar's historic 10th term as Bihar Chief Minister and the BJP-JDU's ministerial berth distribution formula.
The Cabinet Allocation Formula: Proportional Representation Based on Electoral Performance
BJP: 15-16 Ministerial Berths and Key Portfolios
JD(U): 14 Ministers Plus Chief Minister Post
LJP(RV): Three Ministerial Berths and Deputy CM Speculation
HAM(S) and RLM: One Berth Each for Smaller Allies
Equal Share Proposal: Alternative Formula Under Discussion
The 2020 Comparison: How Things Have Changed
Deputy Chief Minister Positions: Who Gets What?
Timeline of Government Formation: Key Milestones
November 16, 2025 (Monday):
November 17, 2025 (Tuesday):
November 18, 2025 (Wednesday):
November 19, 2025 (Likely):
November 20, 2025 (Thursday):
November 21, 2025 (Possible):
November 22, 2025:
The Speaker's Post: Expected to Go to BJP
Gandhi Maidan Preparations: A Grand Show of NDA Strength
Political Dynamics: Why This Formula Matters
1. Rewarding Electoral Performance
2. Maintaining Alliance Cohesion
3. Balancing National and State Roles
4. Ensuring Stability
Opposition in Disarray: RJD's Family Feud Deepens Crisis
Nitish Kumar's Tenth Term: A Historic Milestone
What's Next: Cabinet Expansion and Portfolio Allocation
Clipstrust Overview: Your Digital Partner for Political News and Government Formation Updates
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